NFL Update : The Saints Are Marching In

If you haven’t been watching the highlights, seen the scores, or looked at the TV lately, you probably don’t know that the New Orleans Saints are playing like a playoff team. But if you have been keeping up, you know that this could really be the year that the New Orleans Saints could have its first Super Bowl win in franchise history.

The Saints are undefeated and rolling. The offense is firing on all cylinders; Drew Brees is having a MVP season, and the team is first in Points per Game (PPG) and Yards per Game (YPG). As a Falcons fan, I am worried because Atlanta must play them twice this year and it’s going to be a struggle. Next week the Saints meet the Falcons in the Super Dome and it’s a must-win for the Falcons.  Major flaws in the Falcon defense is a concern of fans.

In the game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Falcon’s secondary was lit up by Tony Romo, and it’s only going to get worse unless Atlanta can make some adjustments. The Saints defense is playing phenomenally well and might be able to shut down our running game, putting all the pressure on Matt Ryan.

If the Saints win this game, it puts them three games ahead of the Falcons, which would be devastating to Atlanta. If the Falcons win, it would be a big confidence booster to them but won’t be fatal for the Saints, still being six and one.

After looking at the remainder of the Saints’ schedule, it appears that there is not much competition left for them. After killing the Giants two weeks ago, the Cowboys may not be much competition for them although they cannot be overlooked. Their only tough games are the Patriots, and the Falcons twice, but that’s it. The are looking to capitalize.

New Orleans’ dominant offense and solid defense is what has posted the win’s in their column. If they can keep this up, they will go all the way.

NFL Update: Surprises in ‘09

THIS season not much has changed. The Giants are still dominating the NFC, Peyton Manning and the Colts are still near the top of the division, and Brett Favre still wants to play. Even with those expectancies, many events have happened in ‘09 that would have been thought crazy at the end of 2008. Who expected with the loss of Hall of Fame Head Coach Mike Shanahan, replaced by rookie Josh McDaniels, and the great talent of Jay Cutler that this team would be undefeated? Or that Brett Favre would be in purple and gold?

Many experts predicted that the Tennessee Titans would be a strong Super Bowl candidate this year, but with a zero-five record, only one team since 1990 has made it to the playoffs let alone the Super Bowl with that starting record. And much to the Vikings’ surprise, they are undefeated because of unbelievable performances from Brett Favre,  thought to be a non-factor because of his age, and young Adrian Peterson who has proved to be the main part of this team. But is this too good to be true?

The Broncos, whose toughest opponent was the New England Patriots, has a much harder schedule a head of them. Facing the Ravens, Eagles, Colts and a hot Jets team, who knows if they will be prepared? Also, with three out of the five Vikings’ wins coming from teams with losing records, they also have tougher opponents to play. With the Giants, Ravens, and Packers at Lambeau, fans do not yet know how the Vikings will fare against high-caliber playoff teams, a factor if they are to go deep into the playoffs.

Next year new surprises will appear in the NFL. Who knows, maybe the Lions will have a winning record…or maybe not.

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